2015 Ford Ranger XL and XLS miss out on update highlights

Tradies might feel a bit miffed when they sort through the detail of the new Ford Ranger line-up.

The Australian engineers and designers have done a great job with the new electric steering, advanced cabin technology and handsome interior and exterior design.

The upgraded 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel is now also quite refined. But the same can't be said for the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in the entry level workhorse models.

 A reversing camera isn't even available as a factory option on anything below the XLT

The lesser models also miss out on a reversing camera. Somewhat bewilderingly, a camera isn't even available as a factory option on anything below the XLT (which costs between $46,690 and $56,590). Customers must settle for a dealer fit version with a tiny screen on the rear view mirror.

The extensive Ranger line-up kicks off with the single cab XL 4x2 manual cab chassis at $27,390 and runs through to the Wildtrak 4x4 automatic double cab at $60,090.

CarsGuide spent a day in the base 2.2-litre XL 4x4 double cab ($43,290). Its four-cylinder engine has also been upgraded with a fresh turbo and new injectors and makes 118kW and 385Nm, up 8kW and 10Nm.

These changes should improve the refinement levels, but this is still quite an uncivilised engine. To save money, Ford puts less sound deadening in the base models. You can tell and the XL is rough and noisy under acceleration and it soon gets annoying. It's a pity really, because it could be a great basic truck. There are cheaper utes out there with quieter engines.

The six-speed automatic is the best choice for the 2.2 if you can afford the extra $2200, but there is also a six-speed manual, which has a better shift action than the previous model.

While the high-end XLT and Wildtrak get passenger-car like interiors, the XL and XLS models have more basic cabins. There is only one 4.2-inch screen on the centre of the dashboard (running the last generation operating system) and a tiny trip computer between the regular tacho and speedo.

The plastic surfaces look plain in comparison to the top-spec models. The XL gets rubber flooring and steel wheels, while the 4x4-only XLS is largely the same with alloy wheels and carpet. All models get Bluetooth phone connectivity, airconditioning, a 230V power outlet, cruise control and electric windows.

All of the Rangers drive well, thanks partly to the new electrically assisted steering, which is a first in the class (instead of hydraulic). The steering is even better than the previous model and is well weighted but is light enough at low speeds in tight places.

Ford has also done a great job with the suspension (which is still coil at the front and leaf at the back) and all the Rangers ride extremely well and feel safe and sure on and off the road.

The ute has also lost none of its extreme off-road capability and retains its class leading wading depth of 800mm, while it can still tow 3500kg.